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'Talk About Laminitis' initiative working well
Over 300 horses and ponies tested for PPID

A scheme offering free adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) tests is proving a success. Over 300 horses and ponies have so far been tested for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) during the first seven weeks of the initiative, entitled 'Talk About Laminitis.'

Tests performed this spring revealed that PPID may affect up to one third of laminitic horses and ponies between 10 to 15 years of age, and the scheme has led to a reappraisal of the ages of horses tested for PPID.

Professor Andy Durham, from the Liphook Equine Hospital, commented: "For years we have known that horses and ponies with PPID are prone to laminitis, but recent evidence suggests that actually the majority of laminitis cases are caused by an underlying endocrine disease."

He added: "The last 24 months have been an absolute revolution in the number of laminitis cases tested for PPID, which is excellent medicine because if you don't test, you may be at risk of missing the diagnosis."

The scheme runs until the end of November. Vets can download free ACHT blood test vouchers here, and are encouraged to submit test from all cases of laminitis they see in horses from the age of 10.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.